Rabbits, ferrets, birds and hamsters can make great pets

A variety of small animal pets, including rabbits, ferrets, birds, hamsters and reptiles enhance the lives of many families and can be adopted at several local shelters and rescue groups. Small animals are loved by children and adults; even college students. Rental properties often permit small animals despite restricting cats and dogs, so animal lovers may still fulfill the desire to have a pet relationship in their life.

Cockatiels, parakeets and finches are common bird species and offer unique personalities and interactions with guardians. Social, and often vocal, they provide companionship as well as beautiful sound and stimulating personalities. Prior to adopting a bird, consider caging, climate and sensitivities

to common household chemicals before bringing the bird home.

Rabbits and ferrets enjoy reasonably long life spans, providing years of companionship. Both species are highly social and require frequent contact with people, and with supervision, can recreate with other family pets as well. While they can be confined to cages during periods of family absence, to satisfy their social and physical needs, its recommended they have access to areas of the home to roam so long as the home has been safely pet-proofed. Rabbits and ferrets are easily trained to use litter boxes adding to the ease of free-roam time. Rabbits and ferrets are recommended in pairs due to their complex social needs.

Guinea pigs and rats are favorite family pets.

Guinea pigs are generally friendly and social, and are known as excellent childrens companions. Active and alert, Guinea pigs have a delightful chirp and plump little bodies that are comfortable to hold. Rats are social and intelligent and can learn tricks and respond to their names. Harnesses and other products are available to provide your Guinea pig or rat exercise and enrichment.

Even smaller companions, hamsters, mice and gerbils, provide interesting study of miniature ecosystems and

are fascinating to observe. Hamsters, while fun to handle, are nocturnal so its necessary to consider the guardian and compatible schedules. Hamsters are perfect for the night owl. Gerbils and mice are busy little animals and with a wide variety of habitats on the market, its fun to create an interesting space for them to live.

More exotic species, such as hedgehogs and chinchillas, can also make excellent pets for families committed to providing the essentials, such as dust baths for chinchillas. Legalities must be considered before bringing home some exotic species, such as sugar gliders, so check your local ordinances before considering an unusual pet.

Veterinary care, dietary needs and habitat recommendations may be

researched online or by visiting a local agency to inquire about specific species. Each unique animal has particular needs, so it is imperative to consider space, affordability and communal needs before selecting the right pet for you.

The Humane Society of Boulder Valley often houses a variety of small pets and encourages anyone considering adding a small pet to their family to visit boulderhumane.org to see animals available for adoption. Another local resource is the Colorado Reptile Humane Society (CoRHS) in Longmont. Reptiles, including bearded dragons, iguanas, turtles and snakes are available for adoption. Visit the CoRHS website at corhs.org for more

information.

Small animals offer a different type of joy than pets such as cats and dogs, and they are appreciated for their unique qualities and interesting habits. Fun to watch, amusing to interact with, and generally uncomplicated, small pets offer a refreshing relationship for pet guardians.

Bridgette Chesne is the Director of Shelter Services for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley located at 2323 55th Street in Boulder. Info: boulderhumane.org

Source: http://www.enchantedrealm.org/2012/03/rabbits-ferrets-birds-and-hamsters-can-make-great-pets/

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